Story Tellers

There is a story being written about your church.  It won’t appear in the local newspaper or newscast, allowing for broad consumption; yet, this story will be implicitly carried in the hearts of those across the community.  That story will inevitably solicit a response to the following question:

What’s your church’s testimony?

It seems like such a simple question, but what would be the communal response to that question?  If your city had a voice, what would it say about the church?  Noisy gong?  Intolerant inconvenience?  Friendly neighbor? Grace-filled lifeblood?

Or would the aesthetics of the building be the only thing that comes to the mind of those in the community?  Would they be surprised to hear of flesh and bones passing through the doors each Sunday?

Undoubtedly, crafting a unified identify is a difficult task.  The vision of leadership will change.  The congregation composition will change.  The community will change.  Life simply happens.  Yet, the story of the church will continue, with each significant change prompting the next chapter.

Today, we’re celebrating the work of the churches in and around Wichita Falls, TX.  A story is being written about them.  We at The Care Portal pray that it’s just the beginning of a new chapter.

Here’s the funny thing, though: the story is not being told by them.  Oh, don’t get me wrong: they are very much part of the story, responding to and meeting the requests of community needs in Wichita Falls.  Yet, the primary narrator in this story is a social worker, who was overwhelmed by the responses of the churches in the community.  This particular social worker submitted a request to The Care Portal but only as a means to share her gratitude with participating churches.  Here are her words:

“I am sending out a special thank you to all the churches that are assisting or are waiting to assist the most vulnerable; the children in your communities. You are greatness!”

About that testimony: these Wichita Falls churches are making an impact.  There’s a story being written about them, shared with believers and non-believers alike.  How many people will hear the story of these churches?  How many will be affected by such sacrificial giving?  How many will pause to reflect upon the goodness of the church?  Their story will be a testimony of their desire to help those who are vulnerable, of those who are desperate for compassion and love and hope.  I imagine that there will be plenty who wish to tell that story.

Who wants to share your church’s story?

How is your church actively meeting the needs of those in the community? Consider enrolling your church at careportal.org.  For more information, please contact us here.